Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Over the past several months, highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, has spread across the eastern hemisphere from its origins inEast Asia. In western and northernEurope, H5N1 virus has been found mainly in wild birds, especially swans and other waterfowl. InEastern Europe,Africa, and theMiddle East, H5N1 has instead mainly affected backyard flocks and commercial poultry production facilities. As ofMarch 31, 2006, six Middle Eastern nations Egypt,Iran,Iraq,Israel,Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority  have reported bird deaths caused by the H5N1 virus.IraqandEgyptalso have had H5N1 infections in humans.

Countries considered to be in the Middle East for this worksheet are Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Most Middle East nations have aggressively and, in some cases, proactively undertaken efforts to mitigate the biological, public health, and economic risks of bird flu. Mitigation strategies have included stamping out, disinfection of premises, control of wildlife reservoirs, quarantine, and movement controls. Responses by several countries have been recognized for thoroughness and transparency, which may help to control this serious public health and economic threat.

TheUSimported more than one million kilograms of poultry meat and other products fromIsraelin both 2004 and 2005. Poultry meat that is imported fromIsraelis required to be cooked and therefore would be of negligible risk for transmission of HPAI. Additionally, as of January 2006, all slaughter plants certified to export poultry meat to theUShave been delisted, resulting in no currently approved facilities for poultry meat export to theUS. Israelsupplied 132,300 dozen fresh table eggs to theUSin 2004, but none in 2005. TheUSimported 3,000 kg of skins and feathers fromEgyptand 1,110 kg fromIsraelin 2004, and 635 kg fromIsraelin 2005. TheUSdid not import any hatching eggs fromMiddle Eastcountries in 2004 or 2005. NeitherCanadanorMexicoimported birds, poultry, or poultry products of interest from the Middle East Countries in 2004 or 2005.

What is the extent of the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in theMiddle East?

Over the past several months, highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, has spread across the eastern hemisphere from its origins inEast Asia. In western and northernEurope, H5N1 virus has been found mainly in wild birds, especially swans and other waterfowl. InEastern Europe,Africa, and theMiddle East, H5N1 has mainly affected backyard poultry flocks and commercial poultry production facilities. As ofMarch 31, 2006, six Middle Eastern nations Egypt,Iran,Iraq,Israel,Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority  have reported bird deaths caused by the H5N1 virus. IraqandEgyptalso have had H5N1 infections in humans.

Although the Middle East countries do not have a common obligation regarding responses to H5N1 outbreaks, most nations have aggressively and, in some cases, proactively undertaken efforts to mitigate the biological, public health, and economic risks of avian influenza. Mitigation strategies have been implemented similar to those in other countries, which under various scenarios include stamping out, disinfection of premises, control of wildlife reservoirs, quarantine, and movement controls. Responses by several countries have been recognized for thoroughness and transparency, which may help to control this serious public health and economic threat.

What is the extent of H5N1 avian influenza in Middle East countries that have reported outbreaks?

Egypt: Egyptconfirmed its first outbreak of H5N1 virus in birds onFebruary 17, 2006. This was the first official report of HPAI inEgyptsince 1965. The initial outbreak, reported in seven governates (provinces), affected backyard poultry flocks, including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons and peacocks. Some wild birds were also affected. Reports of bird deaths throughout the country accumulated rapidly, and by the end of March, H5N1 had been found on 506 farms in 19 ofEgypts 26 governates. Authorities ordered a zoo closed where H5N1 virus had killed ducks, turkeys, Chinese geese, and other birds. More than 500 birds at the zoo were destroyed and ponds drained as a precaution.
Egypthas a large population of poultry, many of which are kept on roof terraces in close proximity to humans. Since the initial outbreak of avian influenza inEgypt, more than 25 million birds have died or been destroyed. Two people are confirmed to have died of H5N1 infection and three others (still living) are thought to be infected with H5N1.

Iran: Irans first and only report of H5N1 avian influenza was in wild swans in early February, 2006. Officials found 153 dead whooper swans on February 2 during surveillance activities in the Anzali wetland, near theCaspian Seacoast. Veterinary authorities immediately established protection and surveillance zones around the wetland and culled all poultry within 2 kilometers (km). Owners were reimbursed by the government, and movement controls for poultry were established to prevent illegal transport. In January 2006, before H5N1 had been reported inIran, a government official reported that 30,000 poultry had been culled along the border withTurkeyandAzerbaijanand the goal was to remove 150,000 birds by the end of January.

Current distribution of HPAI, subtype H5N1, in the Middle East

Middle Eastcountries with confirmed H5N1 domestic poultry

MiddleEastcountries with confirmed H5N1 infection in wild birds

No known reports of HPAI

Iraq: The spread of H5N1 avian influenza toIraqbecame evident through a human death. A teenage girl and her uncle, both of whom had contact with sick poultry, died during mid and late January 2006. They were both from a village in the Kurdish region of northeasternIraq. Despite bird deaths in the village, H5N1 avian influenza had not been confirmed in birds inIraq. (Note: In October 2005, large-scale poultry deaths on commercial farms in northernIraqwere reported. Although birds were tested for avian influenza and negative results obtained, the reliability of those reports is now doubtful.) During early February 2006, chickens and ducks from backyard flocks and commercial farms in the same region as the human cases tested positive for H5 avian influenza virus. Iraq's Kurdish provinces are a major poultry-producing region supplying chickens and eggs for much of the country. Shortly thereafter, two pigeons and their owner in southeasternIraq, 600 km from the index case, were fatally infected with H5N1 virus.

Since January, nearly 1.6 million birds have been killed in Sulaimaniyah (northeastern) and Maisan (southeastern) provinces ofIraq. Recent suspected human cases of H5N1 infection in Dayala province, northeast ofBaghdad, also have prompted culling of poultry and disinfection of affected premises in that region.

Israel : Israel first reported highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza on March 16, 2006. The initial outbreak occurred in turkeys at two kibbutzim in southern Israel , near the border with Egypt . Two more H5N1 outbreaks in turkey farms were reported on March 17, and shortly thereafter a big broiler farm near one of the turkey farms was infected. Over the next 10 days, three more outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu occurred in various locations in Israel , including a broiler breeder farm near Jerusalem. By the end of March, nine outbreaks of H5N1 had been documented in Israel , mainly in the southern half of the country. To contain the epidemic, the government culled more than 1.2 million birds on 13 farms. Israel has imported approximately 4 million doses of vaccine from the Netherlands which will be used if stamping out and quarantine measures prove ineffective.

Jordan: OnMarch 23, 2006,Jordanbecame the most recentMiddle Eastcountry to confirm H5N1 virus in birds. The outbreak occurred in backyard turkeys and chickens in the town ofKufranjeh(Ajloun governorate) in the northwest region ofJordan. Jordanimmediately began culling poultry within a 6-km radius of the affected farm and the Ajloun governor said that more than 20,000 chickens on four poultry farms would be destroyed. Questions have arisen regarding compensation to backyard poultry owners which could be impacting reporting of sick birds. Birds within a 10-km radius were being vaccinated. Quarantine, movement controls, screening, zoning and disinfection have also been undertaken.

Palestine: Palestinian officials confirmed an outbreak of H5N1 virus at two farms inGazaterritory onMarch 22, 2006. One outbreak occurred atNetzarim nearGazaCityin the central part of the territory. The other was near the southern town ofRafahon the border withEgypt(about 20 km fromIsraels first H5N1 outbreak). By March 26, five suspected outbreaks had been reported inGaza, all affecting large commercial poultry farms. With 1.4 million people,Gazais one of the most densely populated territories in the world. The main concern, from a public health perspective, is that thousands of households keep backyard (and sometimes in-house) poultry. These birds are potentially exposed to infection from various sources and are in close contact with the human population. Palestinian officials have begun culling poultry on the affected farms with advice and assistance from their Israeli counterparts.

What is the international market for poultry and poultry products inMiddle Eastcountries?

Iran,Egypt, andKuwaitindividually reported poultry stocks of approximately 3 million head in 2005, each representing two percent of world stocks (Table 1). OtherMiddle Eastcountries reported no stocks or stocks representing less than one percent of world stocks (Appendix 1).

Source: United Nations FAO

Table 1. Inventory of live poultry*, top producing Middle East countries, 2005

Table 2. Production of poultry meat*, top producingMiddle Eastcountries, 2005

Country

Metric tons

% of world

Iran, Islamic Rep of

<1

Egypt

<1

Saudi Arabia

<1

Israel

<1

Source: United Nations FAO

*Includes meat from chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and meat of pigeon and other birds

Iranproduced significantly more hen eggs than otherMiddle Eastcountries, producing 610,000 mt in 2005 and accounting for approximately 1% of world production. Other top producingMiddle Eastcountries of hen eggs for 2005 wereEgypt,Syria, andSaudi Arabia, though production in each of these countries was less than 250,000 mt (Table 3). OtherMiddle Eastcountries each produced less than 100,000 mt of hen eggs (Appendix 2).

Table 3. Production of hen eggs, top producingMiddle Eastcountries, 2005

Country

Metric tons

% of world

Iran

1

Egypt

<1

Syria

<1

Saudi Arabia

<1

Source: United Nations FAO

TheMiddle Eastcountries exported minor quantities of live poultry in 2004. Ninety percent of live poultry exports from these countries came fromEgyptandIran, withEgyptexporting 17.3 million head andIranexporting nearly 2.4 million head. Both of these countries contributed less than one percent of world live poultry exports. OtherMiddle Eastcountries exported relatively few live poultry (Appendix 3).

Source: United Nations FAO

Iranexported 13,880 mt of fresh poultry meat in 2004 andUnited Arab Emiratesexported 12,630 mt, accounting for 70% of poultry meat exports from theMiddle East. However, each country accounted for less than one percent of world exports (Table 4). OtherMiddle Eastcountries exported minimal amounts of fresh poultry meat (Table 4 and Appendix 4).

Table 4. Fresh poultry meat* exports, top Middle East countries, 2004

Country

Metric Tons

% ofMiddle East

% of World

Iran

37

<1

United Arab Emirates

33

<1

Saudi Arabia

12

<1

Jordan

5

<1

Israel

4

<1

Lebanon

3

<1

*Includes meat from chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys

Source: United Nations FAO

Iranranked 13
th in the world in 2004 for egg exports, with 10,938 mt representing one percent of world exports. Other
Middle Eastcountries that exported nearly 2,000 mt or more each wereSaudi Arabia(4,938 mt),Oman(2,682 mt),Syria(2,323 mt),Egypt(2,075 mt), andJordan1,976 mt) (Table 5). The remainingMiddle Eastcountries exported minimal amounts of shell eggs (Appendix 6).

Table 5. Shell egg exports, top Middle East countries, 2004

Country

Metric Tons

% of

Middle East

% of

World

Iran

41

1

Saudi Arabia

19

<1

Oman

10

<1

Syria

9

<1

Egypt

8

<1

Jordan

7

<1

Source: United Nations FAO

What are theUSimports of live birds or poultry products fromMiddle Eastcountries?

In 2005 and 2006, the US imported live birds (pets, commercial pet birds and not specified) from Bahrain , Egypt , Iran , Israel , Kuwait , Qatar , and Saudi Arabia (Table 6), including 3547 birds from Israel and 1192 birds from Qatar .
All live bird species imported into the US (except from Canada) are required to have a USDA issued import permit, a health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the country of origin, and to be quarantined for 30 days in a USDA animal import quarantine facility. These requirements include pet birds as well as commercial birds. During the quarantine period, the birds are tested for various infectious pathogens, including avian influenza.

Table 6. US live bird imports from Middle East countries, 2005-2006

Country

2005 Qty

2005 Type/Reason

2006 Qty

2006 Type/Reason

Live Avian, Breeding, Pet, Commercial (number)

Bahrain

African Grey Parrot/Pet

Birds/Breeding

Egypt

Not specified/commercial

African Grey Parrot/Pet

Plain Pigeon/Commercial

Iran

Not specified/commercial

African Grey Parrot/Pet

─

─

Israel

Birds/Pet

Not specified/Commercial

─

─

Kuwait

Pigeon (Ghana)/Breeding

─

─

Qatar

Birds/Breeding

─

─

Saudi Arabia

Parrots/Pet

─

─

Source: APHIS Veterinary Service Import Tracking System

According to the US Customs trade data, as reported to the World Trade Atlas, the US imported more than one million kilograms of poultry meat and other products from Israel in both 2004 and 2005 (Table 8). In the past there have been errors in the trade data indicating importation of poultry meat from Israel when importation did not actually occur. Poultry meat that is imported from Israel is required to be cooked and therefore would be of negligible risk for transmission of HPAI. Additionally, as of January 2006, all plants certified to export poultry meat to the US have been delisted, resulting in currently no approved facilities for poultry meat export to the US . Israel supplied 132,300 dozen fresh table eggs to the US in 2004, but none in 2005. The US imported 3,000 kg of skins and feathers from Egypt and 1,110 kg from Israel in 2004, and 635 kg from Israel in 2005. The US did not import any hatching eggs from Middle East countries in 2004 or 2005.

What areCanadas andMexicos imports of live birds or poultry products fromMiddle Eastcountries?

Neither Canada nor Mexico imported birds, poultry, or poultry products of interest from the Middle East Countries in 2004 or 2005.

Source: World Trade Atlas

What is the level of passenger traffic arriving in theUnited Statesfrom EU countries?

In 2004, 668,156 passengers arrived in the US on direct flights from Middle East countries. Of these passengers, 469,439 arrived on flights from Israel (Appendix 7). This does not include passengers who may have originated their travel in Middle East countries, but arrived in the US via indirect routes.

As part of APHIS-PPQs agriculture quarantine inspection monitoring, a total of 2278 air passengers from theMiddle Eastcountries were sampled for items of agricultural interest in fiscal year 2004. Of these passengers, 10 were found to be carrying the following products: chicken (7.3 kg), poultry (1 kg), and unspecified meat (29 kg). None of the passengers carrying these products reported either having been on a farm prior to their travel or plans to visit a farm or ranch while in theUS.

US-Bahrain Relations:Bahrainhas been a base forUSnaval activity in the Gulf since 1947. Bahrains strategic partnership with theUShas intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes inIraqduring the 1991 Gulf War, and the island was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf.

Veterinary Infrastructure:Bahrainreported having 24 veterinarians in 2004, of which 12 were government officials, 6 were in laboratories, universities or training institutions, and the remaining 6 were private practitioners

Egypts major agricultural products are cotton, rice, onions, beans, citrus fruits, wheat, corn, barley, and sugar. Approximately one-third of Egyptian labor is engaged directly in farming, particularly crops, and many others work in the processing or trading of agricultural products. While the desert hosts some large, modern farms, more common traditional farms occupy one acre each, typically in a canal-irrigated area along the banks of theNile. Many small farmers also have cows, water buffaloes, and chickens, although larger modern farms are becoming more important. Livestock and food are amongEgypts major imports, supplied by the EU, US, andJapan.

US-Egypt Relations

TheUnited StatesandEgyptenjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on shared mutual interest inMiddle Eastpeace and stability, revitalizing the Egyptian economy and strengthening trade relations, and promoting regional security. In 1996, Congress authorized the President to allowEgyptandJordanto export products to theUnited Statesduty-free, as long as these products contain inputs fromIsrael. This trade initiative supports theMiddle Eastpeace process by encouraging regional economic integration.

Multinational exercises, US assistance to Egypt 's military modernization program, and Egypt 's role as a contributor to various UN peacekeeping operations continually reinforce the US-Egyptian military relationship.

Veterinary Infrastructure:

For 2004,Egyptreported having 19,750 government veterinarians; 5,000 veterinarians at laboratories, universities and training institutions; 12,500 private practitioners, and 4,250 veterinarians employed in other categories, such as the private sector.

Agriculture has suffered from shortages of capital, raw materials, and equipment, as well as from the war withIraq; in addition, a major area of dissension within the regime has been how to proceed with land reform.

US-Iranian Relations

Iran's regional goals are dominated by wanting to establish a leadership role, curtail the presence of theUnited Statesand other outside powers, and build trade ties. OnApril 7, 1980, theUnited Statesbroke diplomatic relations withIran, and onApril 24, 1981, the Swiss Government assumed representation of US interests inTehran. Iranian interests in theUnited Statesare represented by the Government of Pakistan. Commercial relations betweenIranand theUnited Statesare restricted by US sanctions and consist mainly of Iranian purchases of food and medical products and US purchases of carpets and food.

Despite its abundant land and water resources,Iraqis a net food importer. Under the UN Oil-For-Food program,Iraqimported large quantities of grains, meat, poultry, and dairy products. A Ba'ath regime policy to destroy the "Marsh Arab" culture by draining the southern marshes and introducing irrigated farming to this region destroyed a natural food-producing area, while concentration of salts and minerals in the soil due to the draining left the land unsuitable for agriculture. Efforts have begun to overcome the damage done by the Ba'ath regime in ways that will rehabilitate the agricultural sector and confront environmental degradation.

US-Iraq Relations

With the lifting of UN sanctions after the Baath regime was removed in 2003,Iraqis gradually resuming trade relations with the international community, including with theUS. TheUSdesignatedIraqas a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in September 2004.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Iraqreported having 10,266 veterinarians, of which 2100 were government officials (central, local), 860 were in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, 4100 were private practitioners, and 3206 fell into other categories.

Sources: US Department of State Background Note Iraq, August 2005, accessed3/30/2006:

Israeli agricultural production includes citrus and other fruits, vegetables, beef, dairy, and poultry products.

US-Israeli Relations

Commitment toIsrael's security and well being has been a cornerstone ofUSpolicy in theMiddle EastsinceIsrael's creation in 1948, in which theUnited Statesplayed a key supporting role. Israeland theUnited Statesare bound closely by historic and cultural ties as well as by mutual interests. Continuing US economic and security assistance toIsraelacknowledges these ties and signalsUScommitment. The broad issues of Arab-Israeli peace have been a major focus in the US-Israeli relationship.

In 2004, US imports fromIsraelwere $14.5 billion, up 13.8 percent from the previous year. Israelis currently the 19
th largest export market for US goods.
Israelprohibits the importation of any meat or meat product that is not certified as kosher byIsraels chief rabbinate. Work on an agreement on veterinary certificates of health for live animal imports was suspended after the announcement of the discovery of a singleUScase of BSE involving an imported animal inWashingtonState. Israelpermits the domestic production and marketing of non-kosher meat, but bans its importation.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Israel reported having 1657 veterinarians in 2004, of which 261 were government officials (central, local), 101 were in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, 445 were private practitioners, and 850 fell into other categories, such aspoultry slaughter houses (24), retired (153), industry or occupation unknown.

Sources: 2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006:

Jordans agricultural products include fruits, vegetables, wheat, olive oil, barley and olives. Ten percent of the land is arable and 5 percent is cultivated.

US-Jordanian Relations

Relations between the US and Jordan have been close for over four decades. These relations were damaged by support in Jordan for Iraq during the first Gulf war. Although the Government of Jordan stated its opposition to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait , there was popular support for Iraq within Jordan . Following the first Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq . The US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in October 2000. Jordan was previously one of the few trading partners with which the US consistently had a trade surplus; the effects of the FTA has reversed this dynamic since 2002. The US is now Jordan 's leading export destination with Jordan s main exports to the US being textiles and garments. Food products imported to the US from Jordan are typically processed foods.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Jordanreported 1024 veterinarians in 2004, of which 221 were government officials, 35 were in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 455 were private practitioners. Those working for the government included 141 working for the Ministry of Agriculture, and 80 working for other Ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Interior and Finance. Veterinarians working abroad, retired or not yet employed numbered 313.

Agriculture accounts for only 0.3 percent ofKuwaits $48 billion estimated 2004 GDP. With the exception of fish, most food is imported. Fish and shrimp are plentiful in territorial waters, and large-scale commercial fishing has been undertaken locally and in theIndian Ocean. Kuwaits 2004 imports of $11.12 billion were primarily food, construction materials, vehicles and parts. Major suppliers were US (13 percent),Japan(11 percent),Germany(9 percent),UK(6 percent), andSaudi Arabia(6 percent).

US-Kuwaiti Relations

TheUSandKuwaitsigned a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in February 2004, providing a forum to address US concerns. In December 2004,Kuwaitremoved its December 2003 ban on some imports of US beef and beef products, originally imposed due to concerns of BSE, but kept in place a ban on imports of beef originating in the state ofWashington.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Kuwaitreported 93 veterinarians in 2004, of which 27 weregovernment officials, 13 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 53 were private practitioners.

Sources: 2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006;

TheUnited Statesseeks to maintain its traditionally close ties withLebanon, and to help preserve its independence, sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity. TheUnited Stateshas assisted theAmericanUniversityofBeirutand theLebaneseAmericanUniversitywith budget support and student scholarships. Assistance also has been provided to theLebanese-AmericanCommunitySchooland theInternationalCollege. In 1993, theUSresumed the International Military Education and Training program inLebanonto help bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF)--the country's only nonsectarian federal institution--and reinforce the importance of civilian control of the military.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Lebanonreported having 118 veterinarians in 2004, of which 25 were government officials, 3 were in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 90 were private practitioners.

Sources: US Department of State Background Note Lebanon, August 2005, accessed3/30/2006:

OnDecember 19, 2003,Libyaannounced its intention to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction and MTCR-class missile programs. Since that time, it has cooperated with theUS, theUK, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons toward these objectives. The President of theUSsigned an Executive Order onSeptember 20, 2004terminating the national emergency with respect toLibyaand ending some economic sanctions. Certain export controls remain in place andLibyaremains on the state sponsors of terrorism list.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Libyareported having 664 veterinarians in 2004, of which 270 were government officials (central, local), 100 were in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, 160 were private practitioners, and 134 were in other categories, particularly the private sector.

Source: US Department of State Background Note:Libya, November 2005, accessed3/30/2006:

Agriculture and fishing are the traditional way of life inOman. Dates, grown extensively in the Batinah coastal plain and the highlands, make up most of the country's agricultural exports. Poultry production is steadily rising. Fish and shellfish exports totaled $104.7 million in 2004.

US-Oman Relations

Omanhas traditionally supportedMiddle Eastpeace initiatives. TheUShas maintained relations with the Sultanate since the early years of American independence. Both bilaterally and regionally through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Oman is pursuing free trade agreements with a number of key trading partners, including the US. The US-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in January 2006 and awaits ratification and implementation.

As a member of the GCC,Omanapplies the GCC common external tariff of five percent for most products, with a few exceptions. Omans exceptions include 100 percent tariff rates on pork products. OnApril 30, 2005Omanlifted the ban on imports of US beef, which was imposed in late 2003 as a result of the discovery of a singleUScase of BSE involving an imported animal inWashingtonState.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Omanreported 129 veterinarians in 2004, of which54
were government officials, 14 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 52 were private practitioners, and 9 were employed in other categories.

Sources: 2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006:

Agriculture employs 20 percent ofQatars workforce and accounts for less than 2 percent of GDP. Qatardoes produce some fruits and vegetables, but most food is imported. Major suppliers of various imported products, including agriculture products, are France (27 percent), US (10 percent),Saudi Arabia(10 percent),Germany(5 percent), andJapan(5 percent).

Qataralso has signed defense pacts with theUS,UK, andFrance, and plays an active role in the collective defense efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Qatari military forces played an important role in the first Gulf War, andQatarhas supported US military operations critical to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

US imports fromQatarin 2004 were $387 million, up 17 percent from 2003. TheUSandQatarsigned a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in March 2004, providing a forum to address US concerns. Qatarstill imposes a ban on imports of US beef in response to the discovery of a singleUScase of BSE involving an imported animal inWashingtonState.

V
eterinary Infrastructure

Qatarreported90
veterinarians in 2004, of which 57were government officials, 10 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 23 were private practitioners.

Sources: 2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006:

Agriculture employs 12 percent of the Saudi workforce, producing dates, grains, livestock and vegetables. Only 1.7 percent of the land is arable.

Most livestock can be imported toSaudi Arabiaduty-free, although infant industries, such as those producing rabbit meat and edible offal, enjoy 20 percent tariff protection. Importation of pork products is prohibited. OnNovember 12, 2005, the Saudi government imposed an immediate ban on the importation of live birds from all exporting countries due to concerns over avian influenza. The government decree excludes day-old chicks and hatching eggs from the import ban, therefore US exports of day old chicks and hatching eggs toSaudi Arabia, valued in 2003 at more than $4.2 million, will not be affected.

US-Saudi Relations

The US and Saudi Arabia share a common concern about regional security, oil exports and imports, and sustainable development. Close consultations between the US and Saudi Arabia have developed on international, economic, and development issues such as the Middle East peace process and shared interests in the Gulf. The US is Saudi Arabia 's largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is the largest US export market in the Middle East. US imports in 2003 from Saudi Arabia were $20.9 billion, up 15.8 percent from the previous year. Saudi Arabia is in the process of negotiating terms of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), providing a forum to address US concerns.

Agriculture accounts for 25 percent ofSyrias GDP and employs 30 percent of the work force. Syriaproduces cotton, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruits and vegetables. Thirty-two percent of the land is arable. In 2002,Syriaimported $6.55 billion of foodstuffs, metal and metal products, machinery, textiles and petroleum. Major suppliers of imported goods wereGermany,Turkey,Italy, France, US andJapan.

US-Syrian Relations

In the aftermath ofSeptember 11, 2001, the Syrian Government began limited cooperation with theUSin the global war against terrorism. However,Syriaopposed theIraqwar in 2003, and bilateral relations with theUSswiftly deteriorated. Tensions betweenSyriaand theUSintensified in late 2004 and 2005, primarily over issues relating toIraqandLebanon. Syriacurrently is the subject of US economic sanctions under the Syria Accountability Act, which prohibits the export and re-export of most US products toSyria.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Syriareported3712
veterinarians in 2004, of which 1310were government officials, 112 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 2290 were private practitioners.

Sources: US Department of State Background Note:Syria, October 2005, accessed3/30/2006:

Agriculture employs 36 percent ofTurkeys workforce and provides 12 percent of the gross national product. Major cash crops includecotton, sugar beets, hazelnuts, wheat, barley, and tobacco, which provide more than 40 percent of jobs and 6 percent of exports.

US-Turkey Relations

TheUStrade deficit withTurkeywas $1.6 billion in 2004, an increase of $686 million from $888 million in 2003. US imports fromTurkeywere $4.9 billion, up 30.3 percent. Turkeyis currently the 32
nd largest export market for US goods.

Turkeymaintains high tariff rates on many food and agricultural products to protect domestic producers. The Turkish government often increases tariffs on grains during the domestic harvest. High feed prices harm Turkish livestock industries, particularly for beef and poultry.

The USTR has concerns about the lack of transparency inTurkeys import licensing system, which can result in costly delays, charges and other uncertainties that stifle trade for many agricultural products. Turkeyis in the process of rewriting its import regulations for agriculture products in order to comply with EU regulations. However, some new regulations do not appear to be fully consistent with those of the EU, and for many products, such as red meat, no written standards exist.

The Turkish government has a poor track record of notifying WTO members of proposed technical regulations and phytosanitary requirements, and implementation appears to be arbitrary. Importers report increasing difficulty in obtaining information on sanitary and phytosanitary certifications.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Turkeyreported having 7245 veterinarians in 2004, of which 1858 weregovernment officials, 1360 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 3242 were private practitioners. Turkeyalso has 785 veterinarians involved in food hygiene, including meat inspection.

Sources: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, US Department of State Background Note: Turkey, December 2005, accessed4/4/06:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3432.htm;2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006:

Administratively, the UAE is a loose federation of seven emirates, each with its own ruler. TheUShas enjoyed friendly relations with the UAE since 1971. Private commercial ties, especially in petroleum, have developed into friendly government-to-government ties which include security assistance. The breadth, depth, and quality of US-UAE relations increased dramatically as a result of the US-led coalition's campaign to end the Iraqi occupation ofKuwait. The UAE has been a key partner in the war on terror afterSeptember 11, 2001.

US imports from UAE in 2003 were $1.1 billion, up 1.3 percent from 2002. UAE is currently the 29
th largest export market for US goods. The
USbegan Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the UAE in March 2005. An important objective of these negotiations is the removal of trade barriers for US goods and services providers.

A USDA FAS report indicates that UAE market suppliers continue to shift toWestern Hemispheresources for poultry products. UAE poultry production in 2006 is forecast to expand 5-10 percent depending on the successful return to operations of a major poultry producer. In 2004, the global avian influenza issue and softer demand in traditional re-export markets negatively affected trade. Poultry sourced from theUSshowed a strong rebound in 2005 after the market closure in 2004.

Veterinary Infrastructure

The UAE reported having 345 veterinarians in 2004, of which 75 weregovernment officials, 35 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, and 235 were private practitioners.

Sources: 2005 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, Office of the United States Trade Representative, March 2005, accessed3/29/2006:

Yemenis an important partner in the global war on terrorism, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and financial arenas
. CurrentUScommercial assistance is focused on aiding the business sector in supporting US-Yemen bilateral trade relations, encouraging American business interests in country, and diversifyingYemens economy toward non-petroleum dependent sectors.

Veterinary Infrastructure

Yemenreported having 296 veterinarians in 2004, of which 100 weregovernment officials, 30 worked in laboratories, universities, or training institutions, 4 were private practitioners, and 162 employed in the private sector or other work.

Source: US Department of State Background Note:Yemen, January 2006, accessed3/30/2006:

CEIs plans for follow up: CEI will continue to monitor the HPAI situation in the Middle East and may issue additional reports. If you need more information or if you want to comment on this worksheet, you may reply to this message, or contact Steve Sweeney at
steven.j.sweeney@aphis.usda.gov or
Barbara.a.bischoff@aphis.usda.gov